CAMPAIGNERS are demanding tougher penalties for fly-tippers who are blighting the countryside by dumping unsightly and often dangerous waste.

The Country Land & Business Association (CLA) has joined forces with more than 150 local authorities in Hampshire and other parts of the south.

It follows a spate of incidents in the New Forest and other rural areas including the Test Valley. Parts of Southampton have also been targeted.

In some instances footpaths and even roads have been blocked by huge piles of waste.

The CLA and other organisations involved in the campaign are calling for stiffer fines, the greater use of suspended prison sentences and an automatic jail term for anyone convicted of a repeat offence.

Critics claim the penalties currently being handed down by the courts often fail to reflect the severity of the offence or the cost of removing the rubbish.

Michael Valenzia, regional director of the CLA, urged the government to review its sentencing guidelines.

He said: "Fly-tipping continues to blight the lives of many of us living and working in the countryside – and significant progress needs to be made to stop it.

“It’s not just the odd bin bag but large household items from unwanted sofas to broken washing machines, building materials and even asbestos.

“Currently the maximum fine is £50,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment if convicted in a magistrates' court – but this is seldom enforced.

"Cracking down on this type of crime will only be achieved if tougher fines are imposed. This is why it’s crucial the Sentencing Council listens to our concerns."

It comes just weeks after a similar plea was made by the Local Government Association, which said councils in England were having to deal with 20,000 incidents a week.

An Association spokesman said: "Fly-tipping is inexcusable.

“It's not only an eyesore for residents but a serious public health risk, creating pollution and attracting rats and other vermin. It also costs local taxpayers almost £50m a year to clear up, which could be better spent on other vital services in our communities.

“It is time the government looks at its sentencing guidelines.

"It needs to ensure that those prosecuted for fly-tipping receive significant fines that are recovered quickly to deter them from spoiling our parks, highways and verges again, and to help offset the huge costs to councils.”

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